Human endometrial perfusion after tubal occlusion

We examined variations in human endometrial microvascular perfusion acrossone menstrual cycle in women who had undergone tubal ligation and did notreport unusual menstruation. Endometrial red blood cell flux was monitoredby laser Doppler fluxmetry via a fibreoptic probe atraumatically insertedtransvaginally into the uterus of each of 13 conscious volunteers. Theobservations obtained have been compared with those previously reportedfrom a matched control group of women [B.J.Gannon et al., Hum. Reprod., 12,132-139 (1997)]. Women who had undergone tubal occlusion for sterilizationexhibited greater endometrial perfusion during menstruation (cycle days0-5), at the time of ovulation (cycle days 13-16) and in the late secretoryphase (cycle days 23-28) than occurred in controls. In addition, vasomotionin the study group was lower than that in controls in the early and latesecretory phase (cycle days 17-22 and 23-28). Tubal occlusion appeared toalter endometrial perfusion. It is possible that the reported menstrualchanges in women following tubal ligation are a consequence of alteredendometrial perfusion; a possible causative relationship is discussed.